Delma Mae Kline, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, peacefully departed this life on September 12, 2024, in Nederland, Texas. Born on December 12, 1931, in Evangeline, Louisiana, she spent her life in devoted service to family and faith.
Delma's commitment to Catholic education spanned over 50 years. She taught religious education at St. James, St. Catherine, and Bishop Byrne, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of many students, alongside her dear friend, Roberta St. Romain. Delma was instrumental in establishing the St. Charles Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), a program that has welcomed and nurtured countless individuals seeking to join the Catholic faith. Her ministry also extended to the Hospitality Center, where she served faithfully for a decade, providing comfort and support to those in need.
A true prayer warrior for the Kingdom of God, Delma embraced life with a positive attitude and a genuine love for dancing and music. She held a special place in her heart for those who sought the Lord and yearned to become Catholic, often reaching out to guide and nurture their spiritual journeys. Delma was not only a treasured member of her church community, where she actively participated in the Altar Society and served as a Lector, Lay Minister, and Eucharistic Minister, but she was also one of the founding members of the St. Charles Acts Community. Her dedication and service continued for over 65 years.
Delma's legacy lives on through her loving husband, James Kline of Nederland, and her children: son, James Kline, Jr. (Laurie) of Oklahoma City, OK; daughters Loretta Taylor of Port Neches, Nancy Resendez (Tony) of Nederland, Gloria Kline of Nederland, and Mary Ann Sheppard (Rod) of Beaumont. She was a proud grandmother of Shannon Caldwell (Shannon), Candace Routh (Mark), Jessica Maxwell (Jason), and SMSgt. James Kline IV (Amanda), and great-grandmother to Drake Routh, Hudson Routh, Bennett Routh, SFC Jerod Caldwell, Hailey Caldwell, Wesley Caldwell, Nehemiah Woods, and Grace Woods. Delma also cherished her bonus family, including Tracy Swiere, Sara Bergeron, Ayden Bergeron, Brock Peters, and Abigail Johnson. She is survived by her sisters, Joyce Rovira and Fay Miller.
Delma was predeceased by her parents, Dennis Miller and Rose Simon Miller; brother, Larry Miller; sisters, Dee Evans and Lou Paul; and grandson, Jarrod "J.T." Taylor. Her warmth and caring spirit touched everyone she met, and she will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Visitation will be held at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Nederland on September 16, 2024, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM, followed by a Rosary at 11:30 AM and a Mass at 12:00 PM.
Delma's life serves as a testament to love, faith, and endless devotion, forever inspiring those left behind to live life with the same grace and kindness she so effortlessly embodied. Delma was a rare jewel, a precious treasure. Just as a jeweler takes a raw stone and cuts it into facets so you can see the brilliance of the stone, God shaped our Delma into the most brilliant of all jewels.
In Lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made in Delma's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital by visiting www.stjude.org.